Oversight
Play of the Day: Recounting Scott Pruitt's Recent Scandals
The EPA chief bought some pens, angled for a used mattress and even abused his White House mess privileges.
Ranking the ‘Worst Connected’ Cities in the U.S.
This National Digital Inclusion Alliance report isn’t something the local Chamber of Commerce is likely going to put in promotional materials.
Management
House Passes Bill to Rescind $15 Billion From Federal Agencies
Trump says the measure is "getting the government back on track."
Nextgov
Modernization Board Awards Half Its First Year Funding to Three Projects
They are the first projects to receive Modernizing Government Technology funds.
Pay & Benefits
Major Changes to Federal Separation Pay and Hiring Tucked Into Senate Defense Bill
Measure would dramatically expand direct hire authority and give employees better incentives to leave federal service.
Defense
Secret Service Blames Late Data Entry for Accused Murderer Working in White House
Democratic lawmaker presses Trump chief of staff on contractor’s security clearance.
Worries Over Cyanotoxins in Tap Water of Oregon's Capital City
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Dallas looks to reform “generous” bulk trash rules … Tenn. vice mayor charged in food stamp conspiracy … and a Maine town warns of caterpillar hazard.
Nextgov
Bill Would Prevent States from Messing with Encryption
The bill comes amid an encryption debate that pits national security against cybersecurity.
Management
Chemical Safety Board Chair Needs Broader Authority, IG Says
Troubled agency soon to lose leader is under scrutiny for low morale.
Pay & Benefits
Avoiding Tax Pitfalls
Be prepared so you don’t have an unwelcome surprise when you retire.
Federal Housing and Transportation Spending Bill Moves to Senate
Programs key to local and state government would largely see either steady funding or spending increases.
Management
Appointee Watch: A Wave of State, Defense Nominations
Senate cancels August recess, blaming Democratic intransigence in confirmation process.
Stress Testing Can Help Troubled State Public Pension Funds
A new analysis shows benefits of considering a range of factors and scenarios.
Nextgov
DOD Must Comply with DHS Cybersecurity Directives Under Senate Bill
Homeland Security has issued numerous binding cybersecurity directives recently, including banning Kaspersky anti-virus and mandating email security.
News
It’s Hard to Kill an Agency, But Renaming One Is a Different Matter
The Trump administration reportedly wants to change the name of the Health and Human Services Department. There’s precedent for that. Take our quiz and test your knowledge.
Management
Firefighters Can Teach Us How To Make Good Decisions Under Pressure
When you experience stressful events, whether personal (waiting for a medical diagnosis) or public (political turmoil), a physiological change is triggered that can cause you to take in any sort of warning and become fixated on what might go wrong.
Management
How Trump’s Pardons Compare To Past Presidents’, Charted
Back to the days of notorious pardoner-in-chief Gerald Ford.
Oversight